Items filtered by date: December 2025

Foot pain in seniors can signal problems in the feet, toes, or ankles that should not be ignored. Years of walking, weight gain, and wearing shoes with inadequate support often strain the joints and soft tissues. This can lead to sharp pain rather than simple soreness. Stress fractures, persistent heel pain from an inflamed band of tissue beneath the foot, and arthritis can make every step difficult. Nerve damage linked to diabetes can cause tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet. Flare-ups of swelling in the big toe joint can indicate gout. Sudden foot or ankle pain with swelling also can point to a blood clot. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, order imaging to determine the cause, and prescribe supportive devices, as needed. This foot doctor also can recommend the best course of treatment, from custom inserts to surgery, when required. If you are a senior experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM of The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Watkinsville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in bones that develop from repetitive force or overuse, making them a common issue among runners and athletes. They often occur in the weight-bearing bones of the foot where repeated impact can exceed the bone’s ability to repair itself. Symptoms include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking. Risk factors include sudden increases in training intensity, wearing improper footwear, poor running mechanics, or low bone density. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury through a physical examination and imaging tests, suggest supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and recommend activity modifications. If you enjoy running and have developed consistent foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer relief, treatment, and prevention tips for foot and ankle injuries.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Watkinsville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Overuse injuries in young athletes often affect the growing bones and soft tissues of the feet and ankles. Repetitive stress from activities like running and jumping, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support can irritate the growth plates. These are areas of developing cartilage located near the ends of bones. Sever’s disease, which causes heel pain, or navicular stress from strain along the midfoot often occurs in active children. These injuries can lead to limping, swelling, and tenderness that interfere with walking or sports participation. Because their growth plates are still open, the risk of long-term problems increases if these injuries are not properly managed. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot structure, identify overuse patterns, and recommend orthotics, footwear adjustments, or other remedies to relieve strain and protect developing bones. If your active child shows signs of foot or ankle pain after sports activity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM of The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Watkinsville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle injuries in snowboarding often occur because both feet are attached to a single board, reducing independent movement and increasing stress during falls or sharp turns. Non-releasable bindings can lock the feet in place, leading to sprains, fractures, and tendon strains. Boots and hybrid boots that do not fit well may add pressure, reduce stability, or fail to protect the ankles during landings. These factors can place significant force on the lower limbs, especially on uneven terrain or during high-speed maneuvers. A podiatrist can evaluate injuries, provide proper treatment, and recommend supportive gear that improves safety. If you have foot pain after snowboarding, it is suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM of The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Watkinsville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sesamoiditis is a painful inflammation beneath the big toe joint where two small bones, called sesamoids, help support weight during walking and push-off. When these tiny bones become irritated from repetitive impact, high-arched feet, thin-soled shoes, or activities such as running or dancing, the area can become tender and swollen. People often describe a sharp or aching pain that increases when bending the big toe or bearing weight on the ball of the foot. Rest and cushioned footwear may ease early symptoms, but persistent discomfort should not be ignored because ongoing stress can slow healing. A podiatrist can determine the level of inflammation, recommend protective padding or orthotics, and guide activity changes that allow the area to recover safely. If pain under the big toe joint is continuing or affecting daily movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM of The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Watkinsville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.